September 14, 2023
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\r\n\r\nTHERE is no necessity for me to overemphasise the importance of the English language in schools and universities. Talent and skill development in the country depend very much on the acquisition of the English language at a very early stage of a child's school life.
The necessity for technical, vocational and engineering education (TVET) has necessitated that importance be placed on the acquisition of knowledge and competence in the English language.
The Education Ministry (MOE) needs to wait until Form Six to ensure competence in the English language amongst students before their entry into public universities.
Periodic guidelines about the importance of the English language and the necessity for students to score a certain grade are important but they don\u2019t address the general weakness of teaching and acquiring skills in the language in schools.
I wonder why the MOE has to come out with guidelines for Form Six students when there is a general deterioration of English competency at the lower primary and lower secondary levels.
Shouldn\u2019t English competency be imparted at a very early stage in the education of children? Why establish competency at the level of Form Six?
The introduction of English at the primary and secondary levels need not contradict the teaching of Malay as the national language.
In fact, the teaching of subjects in these two languages can coexist without much problem. Even the option of teaching science subjects in primary and secondary schools under the dual language policy (DLP) is something to be welcomed.
More than 2000 primary and secondary schools in the country currently have the option of teaching science subjects either in Malay or English. Unfortunately, this policy has its detractors.
Some segments of society, particularly the language nationalists are concerned that such a policy might dilute the importance of the Malay language in the teaching of science subjects, as the English language has an edge when it comes to the teaching of science subjects.
In fact, the popularity of DLP is due to the availability of the option to teach science subjects either in Malay or English.\u00a0
Many parents who want their children to be exposed to science want the subjects to be taught in English.
The option of learning science subjects in English is at the heart of the DLP's popularity. However, parents are unhappy that the government is not pursuing with zeal the implementation of the DLP.
As it is, the government has not come out with clear guidelines for the implementation of the DLP.
While some Tamil vernacular schools have come around to accepting the validity of the DLP, not all Chinese vernacular schools are opposed to it. They continue to emphasise the importance of mother-tongue education, which is Mandarin in the teaching of science subjects.
It has long been recognised that English language competency has declined in schools at both the primary and secondary levels. While the guidelines of the MOE are important in recognising English competency at the level of Form Six and the need to attain a certain degree of competency, it might be too late.
Language competency is not something to be acquired over a short period of time, a long gestation period is required.
In this respect, the government without downplaying the importance of Malay as the national language, must impart language competency at a very early stage in the lives of students. The problem in the country in the past as well as the present is that there is no coherent policy on education.\r\n\r\nIn fact, education policies are simply seen as the implementation of language policies.\r\n\r\nHowever, given the highly charged political atmosphere, erratic language policies have guided the development of the educational system.
If reforms are still on the agenda of the unity government, then there is a dire necessity to re-examine the educational policy in the country to ensure competency in the teaching of the English language without undermining Malay as the national language. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nProf Ramasamy Palanisamy is the former DAP state assemblyman for Perai. He is also the former deputy chief minister II of Penang.<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia<\/em>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
The necessity for technical, vocational and engineering education (TVET) has necessitated that importance be placed on the acquisition of knowledge and competence in the English language.
The Education Ministry (MOE) needs to wait until Form Six to ensure competence in the English language amongst students before their entry into public universities.
Periodic guidelines about the importance of the English language and the necessity for students to score a certain grade are important but they don\u2019t address the general weakness of teaching and acquiring skills in the language in schools.
I wonder why the MOE has to come out with guidelines for Form Six students when there is a general deterioration of English competency at the lower primary and lower secondary levels.
Shouldn\u2019t English competency be imparted at a very early stage in the education of children? Why establish competency at the level of Form Six?
The introduction of English at the primary and secondary levels need not contradict the teaching of Malay as the national language.
In fact, the teaching of subjects in these two languages can coexist without much problem. Even the option of teaching science subjects in primary and secondary schools under the dual language policy (DLP) is something to be welcomed.
More than 2000 primary and secondary schools in the country currently have the option of teaching science subjects either in Malay or English. Unfortunately, this policy has its detractors.
Some segments of society, particularly the language nationalists are concerned that such a policy might dilute the importance of the Malay language in the teaching of science subjects, as the English language has an edge when it comes to the teaching of science subjects.
In fact, the popularity of DLP is due to the availability of the option to teach science subjects either in Malay or English.\u00a0
Many parents who want their children to be exposed to science want the subjects to be taught in English.
The option of learning science subjects in English is at the heart of the DLP's popularity. However, parents are unhappy that the government is not pursuing with zeal the implementation of the DLP.
As it is, the government has not come out with clear guidelines for the implementation of the DLP.
While some Tamil vernacular schools have come around to accepting the validity of the DLP, not all Chinese vernacular schools are opposed to it. They continue to emphasise the importance of mother-tongue education, which is Mandarin in the teaching of science subjects.
It has long been recognised that English language competency has declined in schools at both the primary and secondary levels. While the guidelines of the MOE are important in recognising English competency at the level of Form Six and the need to attain a certain degree of competency, it might be too late.
Language competency is not something to be acquired over a short period of time, a long gestation period is required.
In this respect, the government without downplaying the importance of Malay as the national language, must impart language competency at a very early stage in the lives of students. The problem in the country in the past as well as the present is that there is no coherent policy on education.\r\n\r\nIn fact, education policies are simply seen as the implementation of language policies.\r\n\r\nHowever, given the highly charged political atmosphere, erratic language policies have guided the development of the educational system.
If reforms are still on the agenda of the unity government, then there is a dire necessity to re-examine the educational policy in the country to ensure competency in the teaching of the English language without undermining Malay as the national language. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nProf Ramasamy Palanisamy is the former DAP state assemblyman for Perai. He is also the former deputy chief minister II of Penang.<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia<\/em>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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Main photo credit:\u00a0<\/strong>New Straits Times<\/em><\/div>","post_title":"\"Need sound education policy to ignite interest in English language\"","post_excerpt":"English language proficiency in schools and universities is paramount for talent and skill development, shaping a child's educational foundation and future prospects from an early age.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"need-sound-education-policy-to-ignite-interest-in-english-language","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 18:05:35","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 10:05:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148122","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148101,"post_author":"35","post_date":"2023-09-14 19:00:28","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 11:00:28","post_content":"WITH Malaysia Day just around the corner, this is a good time to highlight the achievements of two-year-old Aavyn Eliseus Ng who has a penchant for being able to recognise and correctly identify state and national flags.\r\n\r\nHis parents first noticed his special ability when Aavyn was able to name all 16 the state and Federal Territory flags in Malaysia. For those who think this is no big deal, try asking older primary or even secondary school kids and see how many of them are able to score a 100%.\r\n\r\nAavyn was recently inducted into the Malaysian Book of Records<\/em> for being able to correctly identify 40 national flags in one minute (his personal best is actually 48). When not on the clock, he is able to correctly identify 139 national flags!\r\n\r\nHis feats were recognised at an award ceremony attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh who labelled the child prodigy as an \u201cimpressive fast learner\u201d.\r\n\r\nBefore being officially bestowed the title of \u201cMost International Flags Identified By A Toddler in One Minute\u201d, Aavyn was asked to demonstrate his skills to Yeoh who is also the Segambut MP which he promptly did \u2013 correctly identifying 139 national flags<\/a><\/span> as well as those belonging to each Malaysian state and Federal Territories.\r\n\r\n
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh (left) impressed with the talent of two-year-old Aavyn iEliseus Ng (Pic credit: Hannah Yeoh's Facebook)[\/caption]\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nAavyn\u2019s penchant for absorbing geographical detail at such a tender age will surely hold him in good stead. Perhaps more parents should spend more time engaging with their children to develop their naturally inherent skills.\r\n\r\nAavyn\u2019s parents noticed his ability to recognise flags when watching badminton on TV. They followed up with picture cards and most importantly, quality time with the child.\r\n\r\nWho knows, an entry into the Malaysian Book of Records<\/em> (or more) may await them if parents did indeed make the extra effort to nurture their special skills. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023","post_title":"Two-year-old enters record books for flag identifying skills","post_excerpt":"With Malaysia Day just around the corner, this is a good time to highlight the achievements of two-year-old Aavyn Eliseus Ng who has a penchant for being able to recognise and correctly identify state and national flags. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"two-year-old-enters-record-books-for-flag-identifying-skills","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 16:21:29","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 08:21:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148101","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148130,"post_author":"103","post_date":"2023-09-14 18:23:45","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 10:23:45","post_content":"MUDA deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz has rejected calls for her to vacate her state assembly seat after Muda's decision to quit the unity government.\r\n\r\nAmira Aisya said she will not comply with Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) deputy chairman Aminolhuda Hassan\u2019s \u201cultimatum\u201d.\r\n\r\n\u201cIf he (Aminolhuda) is giving an ultimatum, he must remember the principle on which candidates contest \u2013 that the seat, be it Puteri Wangsa or Muar, belongs to the rakyat and not the party,\u201d Amira Aisya was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini<\/em> today (Sept 14).\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday (Sept 12), Aminolhuda issued an \u201cultimatum\u201d to Amira Aisya, saying that she either join Amanah or resign from her position as Puteri Wangsa assemblywoman and therefore, vacating the state seat.\r\n\r\nAminolhuda, who is also Sri Gading MP, said that the seat Amanah offered is due to the courtesy Amanah extended to Muda during the Johor state polls which was held last year.\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Amira Aisya said that PH\u2019s election promises contradicted its present position, which also involves the conditional release of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi from corruption charges.\r\n\r\n\u201cPromise made to the people matters. During election campaigning, you (PH) pledged to battle corruption and vowed to send Zahid to jail.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s improper to make such promises, but not fulfill them now,\u201d she remarked.\r\n\r\nAmira was referring to the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to Zahid in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.\r\n\r\nOn Sunday (Sept 10), Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announced that his party has dropped out of the unity government after publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the abrupt halt of Zahid\u2019s corruption trial.\r\n\r\nThe Muar MP stated that that the issue has been notified to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, via a letter handed on Sunday (Sept 10).\r\n\r\nAmira Aisya had also announced that she is no longer sitting in the PH bloc and was placed in the opposition bloc in the Johor State Assembly. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMain pic credit<\/em><\/strong>: Bernama<\/em>","post_title":"\u201cPuteri Wangsa seat belongs to the rakyat, not to party,\u201d says defiant Muda No 2","post_excerpt":"Amira Aisya said she will not comply with Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) deputy chairman Aminolhuda Hassan\u2019s \u201cultimatum\u201d.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"puteri-wangsa-seat-belongs-to-the-rakyat-not-to-party-says-defiant-muda-no-2","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 18:20:41","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 10:20:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148130","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148112,"post_author":"19","post_date":"2023-09-14 18:00:49","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 10:00:49","post_content":"AS cash-strapped developer Country Garden battles to stave off default, its sprawling US$100 bil (RM468 bil) development in Malaysia has come under scrutiny from creditors even as the Southeast Asian nation dangles financial incentives to lure investments.\r\n\r\nBilled as a paradise with turtles and white-sand beaches, Country Garden's Forest City development in the state of Johor next to Singapore aims to house 700,000 people across 7,000 acres on four re-claimed islands upon completion in 2035.\r\n\r\nSeven years in, Country Garden has invested RM20 bil (US$4.3 bil) in the project \u2013 a far cry from its initial US$100 bil plan. Today \u2013 with development still in progress \u2013 it houses fewer than 10,000 people or only about 1% of its target.\r\n\r\nForest City has become emblematic of the risks Country Garden and some of its Chinese peers took on with their debt-fuelled building boom not just at home but also in offshore markets.\r\n\r\nAs it struggles with weak cash flow and a wall of repayment obligations, Country Garden's prospects of deploying additional capital to the project now look increasingly challenging, analysts say. The Chinese developer is also unlikely to see any revenue boost from the project any time soon.\r\n\r\n
A view of the residential apartments in Country Garden's Forest City development in Johor Bahru (Pic credit: Reuters)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLate last month, Forest City said the project is proceeding as planned despite issues tied to the \u201cpolitical landscape and interference, economic stability, government policy\u201d.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe company is also always prepared to review and to re-evaluate Forest City's development plans after 2025 if there is a current need to do so,\u201d it said without elaborating on its plans or the significance of the 2025 review date.\r\n\r\nA joint venture between Country Garden and a private Malaysian company backed by the Sultan of Johor and the state government, Forest City has been beset by problems ranging from environmental to regulatory issues since its inception in 2016.\r\n\r\nAs financial stress mounts on Country Garden, help from the Malaysian government will be crucial for the success of the development and the company may have to bring in external investors to revive the project, according to Foo Gee Jen who is the group managing director of real estate agency and consultancy CBRE-WTW.\r\n\r\n\u201cMoving forward, I believe they need to parcel it out and invite JV (joint venture) partners to monetise some of the assets. That will be able to fast-track development of Forest City,\u201d suggested Foo.\r\n\r\nThe office of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not respond to questions seeking comment on the developer's financial woes.\r\n\r\nHome truths<\/strong>\r\n\r\nForest City said around 55,000 people visit its sales gallery each month and two hotels with 600 rooms combined, including a five-star golf resort, \"are always fully booked.\"\r\n\r\n\"Seeing is believing,\" Forest City said in an e-mail response. However, what Reuters<\/em> saw on a recent trip appeared quite different.\r\n\r\nEmpty palm tree-lined roads led to a mall where a karaoke lounge, a birds-nest museum and a herbal medicine shop was among the outlets shuttered.\r\n\r\n
A model shows sold-out signs on residential apartment blocks at the showroom in Country Garden's Forest City development in Johor Bahru (Pic credit: Reuters)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe four-storey mall had only around a dozen shops open with cleaners outnumbering shoppers. One of the hotels was largely empty and the rooftop bar that sat atop it remained closed even though its owners told Reuters<\/em> in February it would open in March.\r\n\r\nThe sales gallery featured a massive replica of the development with many residential blocks marked \"sold out\" or \"fast selling\". But over the space of an hour, only a few families checked out the large showroom.\r\n\r\nSeveral property agents said there was scant demand for units as potential buyers were worried about its low occupancy rate, environmental concerns and a lack of economic development.\r\n\r\n\u201cPeople don't want to buy into a block where there are just a few residents,\u201d said one agent who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue.\r\n\r\nAnother agent said his client was looking to sell a unit after three years as he was unhappy with the pace of development.\r\n\r\nForest City has claimed that 28,000 housing units have been completed so far with more than 80% sold to buyers from at least 30 countries.\r\n\r\nBondholder target<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCountry Garden has fewer offshore projects compared to some of its Chinese peers with some analysts expecting Forest City to be a target for some of the holders of its US dollar bonds if the developer is not able to meet its debt liabilities.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe land plot itself is valuable,\u201d a Singapore-based bondholder of Country Garden said while highlighting the complications of dealing with a local government joint-venture.\r\n\r\nLast month, Malaysia's central bank said local banks had limited exposure to Country Garden amid concern about its financial stress.\r\n\r\nPM Anwar who is also the Finance Minister has designated Forest City a \u201cspecial financial zone\u201d to attract investment which Forest City said would help with its marketing.\r\n\r\nAnwar did not say why his government was introducing incentives but analysts say it could be due to Country Garden's recent financial troubles, the project's history of negative publicity and an oversupply of property in Johor, the highest in Malaysia.\r\n\r\nStill, for some Forest City residents, lower prices compared to Singapore and the quiet pace of life suits them fine.\r\n\r\n\u201cIf not for my business back home, I'd love to live here permanently. It's so relaxing and prices are affordable,\u201d Chinese citizen Yang Ming Han who is in her 30s told Reuters<\/em>. \u201cAlthough home values haven't increased and it is not a good investment compared to properties in Singapore, living here is really nice.\u201d\r\n\r\nLoh Wee Loon who has investments in five businesses in Forest City is confident China's real estate debt crisis won't pose any issues. \u201cI don't think the troubles in China are a problem. It is a different management and I'm also confident because Forest City has the backing of the Johor Sultan.\u201d \u2013 Sept 14, 2023\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMain pic credit:<\/strong> Reuters<\/em>","post_title":"Forest City: Of cleaners outnumbering shoppers in four-storey mall, hotels largely unoccupied","post_excerpt":"As cash-strapped developer Country Garden battles to stave off default, its sprawling US$100 bil (RM468 bil) development in Malaysia has come under scrutiny from creditors even as the Southeast Asian nation dangles financial incentives to lure investments.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"forest-city-of-cleaners-outnumbering-shoppers-in-four-storey-mall-hotels-largely-unoccupied","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 17:24:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:24:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148112","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148123,"post_author":"103","post_date":"2023-09-14 17:52:58","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:52:58","post_content":"MCA has slammed the proposal by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung that Kuala Lumpur (KL) be returned to Selangor to create a \u201cmega metropolis\u201d.\r\n\r\nCalling the idea \u201ctotally unfeasible\u201d, MCA spokesperson Mike Chong Yew Chuan said Lee\u2019s proposal runs parallel with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor\u2019s proposal to return Penang to Kedah to enjoy Penang\u2019s economic achievements as \u201cPenang historically belongs to Kedah\u201d.\r\n\r\n\u201c(Lee\u2019s) statement that the reunification of KL with Selangor could see an increase in land banks which could be used to provide more affordable homes needs to rebuked as it reveals that the PJ MP has not done any homework at all,\u201d Chong said in a statement today (Sept 14).\r\n\r\n\u201cAs more and more citizens working in KL have begun moving to other states such as Selangor and even Negri Sembilan, this proves that KL is confronted by a combined predicament of land shortage, steep home ownership prices and a dense population.\r\n\r\n\u201cThus, how could more land banks be obtained to construct affordable housing? KL\u2019s traffic congestion woes are worsening, especially during weekends and public holidays. Bringing more residents into this metropolis is akin to placing the cart before the horse.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe PKR MP had made the proposal when debating the 12th<\/sup> Malaysia Plan mid-term review in Parliament on Wednesday (Sept 13), saying that the move would allow for improved urban development and improve the standard of living in the Klang Valley.\r\n\r\nElaborating, Chong said although history records that KL was once the capital of Selangor, it is not feasible to re-incorporate KL into Selangor today.\r\n\r\n\u201cDue to limited land banks and as KL was overcrowded, the federal government then decided to construct Putrajaya in the late 1990s in an effort to relocate more administrative agencies out of KL to alleviate the congestion in the capital city,\u201d Chong pointed out.\r\n\r\nFor the record, KL had achieved city status on Feb 1, 1972, becoming the first settlement in Malaysia to be granted the status after independence.\r\n\r\nThe signing of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Agreement in 1974 signified the official handling of Kuala Lumpur territory over to the Federal Government, which resulted in the establishment of the Federal Territory on Feb 1, 1974.\r\n\r\nLater, KL ceased to be capital of Selangor after the city of Shah Alam was declared the new state capital.\r\n\r\nThe city, which comprises 11 parliamentary constituencies, currently comes under the administration of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).\r\n\r\nAccording to Chong, Lee\u2019s proposal to re-integrate KL into Selangor would also mean that voters would get two ballot papers each \u2013 one for KL and another one for a state assemblyman.\r\n\r\n\u201cIn this aspect, I agree that KL residents should and must be given a second vote but this does not mean that KL residents should vote in Selangor\u2019s state polls or that KL should be returned to Selangor,\u201d Chong argued.\r\n\r\n\u201cInstead, the Federal government should start promoting the reinstatement of local council elections in KL and return the mandate to the people.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis will enable KL residents to vote in the best elected representatives to govern Kuala Lumpur, instead of the current status quo where DBKL has the final say.\u201d \u2013 Sept 14, 2023\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMain pic credit<\/em><\/strong>: The Star<\/em>","post_title":"\u201cTotally unfeasible\u201d: MCA slams PKR MP\u2019s proposal that KL be returned to Selangor","post_excerpt":"Chong said KL\u2019s traffic congestion woes are worsening, especially during weekends and public holidays, and bringing more residents into this metropolis is akin to placing the cart before the horse.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"totally-unfeasible-mca-slams-pkr-mps-proposal-that-kl-be-returned-to-selangor","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 17:52:58","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:52:58","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148123","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148111,"post_author":"21","post_date":"2023-09-14 17:25:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:25:17","post_content":"BURSA Malaysia ended mixed as volatility subsided amid renewed hope of a Federal Reserve\u2019s rate hike pause after the latest US inflation data.\r\n\r\nAt 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slid 3.96 points to 1,449.58 from Wednesday\u2019s (Sept 13) close of 1,453.54.\r\n\r\nThe index opened 4.32 points lower at 1,449.22 and fluctuated between 1,445.31 and 1,455.09 throughout the session.\r\n\r\nOn the broader market, gainers outnumbered decliners 527 to 342 while 459 counters were unchanged, 1,006 untraded and nine suspended. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023","post_title":"Bursa Malaysia finish mixed as US rate hike pause hope grows on Thursday","post_excerpt":"Bursa Malaysia ended mixed as volatility subsided amid renewed hope\u00a0of a Federal Reserve\u2019s rate hike pause after the latest US inflation data.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"bursa-malaysia-finish-mixed-as-us-rate-hike-pause-hope-grows-on-thursday","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 17:25:17","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:25:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148111","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148107,"post_author":"110","post_date":"2023-09-14 17:20:52","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:20:52","post_content":"




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\r\n\r\nIN a recent debate on the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, former Perikatan Nasional (PN) minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee has called on the government to address concerns surrounding the supply of locally produced rice, urging officials to abandon any \"denial\" stance regarding the issue.\r\n\r\nThe Beluran MP pointed to public grievances regarding the scarcity of local rice available at the controlled subsidised price of RM2.60 per kg, with imported rice being sold in the range of RM3.60 to RM3.90 per kg. He emphasised the importance of providing consumers with the option to purchase locally grown rice.\r\n\r\n\"Nowadays, consumers are unable to buy local rice at RM2.60 per kg. Imported rice is sold in the range of RM3.60 and RM3.90 per kg. We should have the option to buy local rice.\r\n\r\n\"That is why I said the ministry must investigate why we are unable to buy local rice in the market.\"\r\n\r\nRonald asserted that the government must no longer be in denial syndrome but investigate this matter so Malaysians can continue to buy local rice at RM2.60 per kg.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, Jelebu MP Jalaluddin Alias urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry led by Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to consider reviewing Malaysia's rice export policies until the domestic supply stabilises.\r\n\r\nHe attributed the domestic shortage to increased demands resulting from price hikes in imported rice, while Malaysia continued to export a portion of its rice production.\r\n\r\n\"The ministry must manage this matter so that rice export follows a guideline where domestic demands must be met first. I would like to suggest that we reduce our rice exports until the domestic supply is stable.\"\r\n\r\nMoreover, Hulu Terengganu MP Rosol Wahid also weighed in on the issue, drawing a historical parallel by mentioning the times during the Japanese occupation of Malaya when rice was in short supply.\r\n\r\nRosol questioned whether the country wanted to return to a situation where people had to resort to alternative staples like ubi kayu<\/em> (cassava).\r\n\r\nEarlier on Sept 4, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry division secretary in charge of paddy industry development Datuk Azman Mahmood reportedly stated that the government has taken intervention measures to boost local rice supply.\r\n\r\nHe revealed that the government had instructed rice millers in the northern region to increase production by 20%, channelling the additional output through Padibernas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), with a targeted increase of 423,000 metric tonnes of rice per year, according to Bernama<\/em>. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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Main photo credit:\u00a0<\/strong>Berita Harian<\/em><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","post_title":"Former PN minister urges gov't action on local rice supply issues","post_excerpt":"Former Perikatan Nasional minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, during a recent debate on the 12th Malaysia Plan has urged the government to confront local rice supply issues and reject denial.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"former-pn-minister-urges-govt-action-on-local-rice-supply-issues","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 17:01:00","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:01:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148107","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148059,"post_author":"35","post_date":"2023-09-14 17:00:33","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 09:00:33","post_content":"WITH land scarcity pushing prices in popular urban areas further up the scale, property investors are looking for the next hot location, albeit further away from the city centres in a bid to get an early bargain. One such area that has been attracting a lot of attention recently is Semenyih.\r\n\r\nThis sleepy hollow is beginning to stir with many investors attracted to its natural terrain that makes it ideal for outdoor activities.\r\n\r\nLocated just 8km from the south eastern part of Kajang and running parallel to the Kajang-Seremban road, Semenyih is beginning to create a buzz as major developers have started projects in the area. These include EcoWorld, MKH Bhd, Glomac Bhd and HCK Capital Group Bhd.\r\n\r\nNatural attractions<\/strong>\r\n\r\nVisit any public park these days and there will be scores of people looking to enjoy the great outdoors. This has been especially pronounced post-pandemic when people have become more appreciative of open spaces after prolonged lockdowns.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nSemenyih is a naturally hilly area boasting many scenic attractions, popular with hikers and anglers, or even just as a spot for family picnics. These include the Sungai Gabai Waterfalls, Broga Hill, Bukit Arang and the Congkak River Recreational Centre.\r\n\r\nBetter acessibility<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe opening of the Kajang SILK highway and LEKAS highway has greatly improved accessibility.\r\n\r\nThe completion of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line has also made the area more appealing with those needing to travel into the city centre daily for work.\r\n\r\nImproved accessibility has meant property investors, especially first-time home buyers, no longer see the location as a far off destination with poor accessibility.\r\n\r\nGrowing number of facilities<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAnother sure sign of the area\u2019s growth is the increasing number of essential facilities, and the most visible of these are the number of healthcare facilities which include Hospital Kajang, KPJ Kajang Specialist Hospital and Columbia Asia Hospital, alongside private clinics and a government healthcare centre.\r\n\r\nThe emergence of these healthcare centres indicate that Semenyih may initially be attracting an older target market that places greater emphasis on having these specialist healthcare providers nearby.\r\n\r\nOn the education front, Semenyih is also home to the University of Nottingham\u2019s Malaysia Campus. International schools nearby include Australia International School, Tanarata International School and the Nilai International School.\r\n\r\nFor more information on potential property investments in Semenyih, check out https:\/\/www.hiijauanbroga.com\/<\/a><\/span>. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023","post_title":"Semenyih offers early investors chance to buy affordable properties","post_excerpt":"Located just 8km from the south eastern part of Kajang and running parallel to the Kajang-Seremban road, Semenyih is beginning to create a buzz as major developers have started projects in the area.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"semenyih-offers-early-investors-chance-to-buy-affordable-properties","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 10:46:29","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 02:46:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148059","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":148094,"post_author":"91","post_date":"2023-09-14 15:08:02","post_date_gmt":"2023-09-14 07:08:02","post_content":"Editor\u2019s Note:<\/strong> The Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth has on last night (Sept 13) set up a \u201cSave Malaysia Movement (Gerakan Selamatkan Malaysia)\u201d secretariat in an effort to restore the integrity and dignity of the country \u201ctarnished by the dropping of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi\u2019s corruption case\u201d.<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe secretariat is formed to bring together political parties, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and individuals who agree on its struggle and principles. For this purpose, a peaceful assembly has been planned in conjunction with Malaysia Day this Saturday (Sept 16) soon after the Zohor (afternoon) prayers at the Kampung Baru Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTHE unity government or more appositely the Pakat Harapan (PH) component of it must not stare a gift horse in the mouth.\r\n\r\nThe gift here are the plans for a peaceful assembly by Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth wing on Malaysia Day (Sept 16) and the intention of MUDA and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) to hold demos to protest Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi\u2019s discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) of the 47 corruption charges he faced.\r\n\r\nSince PH is dragging its feet on implementing the reforms it had long promised in its days as the opposition, it should waste no time in recognising the low-hanging fruit that these intended protests offer as deliverables.\r\n\r\nFacilitation of the planned protests offers a ready opportunity for PH to burnish its tattered credentials for reform.\r\n\r\nSure, there are constraints to the ability of PH \u2013 often touted as the Coalition of Hope<\/em> \u2013 to deliver on a slew of steps or reforms where these may affect touchy issues of race and religion.\r\n\r\nBut surely the facilitation of street protests planned by PN Youth and the fledgling alliance between MUDA and PSM are not something that pertains to these issues.\r\n\r\n
MUDA and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) are also expected to hold demos to protest Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi\u2019s DNAA of the 47 corruption charges he faced[\/caption]\r\n\r\nPeaceful street protests<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHence, all deliberate speed in processing the prerequisites for holding these protests ought to be the order of the day as far as the unity government is concerned.\r\n\r\nWhy won\u2019t PH which is finding it difficult to deliver big ticket items on their reformasi <\/em>manifesto act swiftly on the easy deliverables such as approval of peaceful demos?\r\n\r\nDeputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim got the drift when he assured his PN interlocutors in Parliament yesterday (Sept 13) that with changes to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2019, holding street protests was no longer an obstacle-strewn course.\r\n\r\nAfter all, this issue had been problematic during the long years of Barisan Nasional (BN) rule.\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday (Sept 12), a group of farmer representatives from Perak who have been evicted from plots that they have long cultivated and now earmarked for property development was not allowed to deliver a memorandum on food security to the minister concerned and to opposition MPs interested to know their plight.\r\n\r\nIt should have been an easy matter for the authorities to navigate, yet the delegation was shunted to a side street some distance from Parliament.\r\n\r\nLilies should be plucked, not shredded. \u2013 Sept 14, 2023","post_title":"Unity gov't must allow PN Youth\u2019s peaceful assembly, MUDA-PSM\u2019s street demos","post_excerpt":"The unity government or more appositely the Pakat Harapan (PH) component of it must not stare a gift horse in the mouth.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"unity-govt-must-allow-pn-youths-peaceful-assembly-muda-psms-street-demos","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-14 15:08:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-14 07:08:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/focusmalaysia.my\/?p=148094","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_22"};


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